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Variable speed motor/switch

  • 21-02-2020 7:14pm
    #1
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    I currently have a 2 hp single phase woodworking lathe.

    I need to make this a variable speed unit, without messing about with pulley
    changes.I want multiple speed choices, while maintaining torque if possible.

    What options do i have to make this happen. With or without my existing motor.

    I want the best option, rather than the cheapest.

    Thanks,
    kadman


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,637 ✭✭✭brightspark


    Might be helpful if you post details about what type of motor is fitted?

    An inverter should be able to provide speed control while maintaining torque, depending of course on the speed ranges.

    Changing the motor may be necessary as some are unsuitable for speed control, cooling the motor can also be an issue at lower speeds as the motors cooling fan is also running slower.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Dont mind buying a motor, I just want the best setup
    considering I only have single phase supply


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 566 ✭✭✭adrian92


    Little help.
    Your electrical load for tis motor is about 1.5 kW
    Not a problem at single phase at all


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    Need to see what type of motor it is.

    Probably induction but any specs on it?


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Here is the pic, and I think its 3 hp.

    Thanks

    503678.JPG


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  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Just saw Dylan's 12 volt tractor,

    fair play, its priceless.:cool::cool:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    kadman wrote: »
    Just saw Dylan's 12 volt tractor,

    fair play, its priceless.:cool::cool:

    Yea it's a while since I did those now.

    On the motor, a VSD might be an option for that. I have not used them with single phase motors myself. Although a single to 3 phase VSD and 3 phase 230v winding motor could be an option too, but there probably are vsd's for single phase induction motors but 3 phase works much better.

    Probably expensive though. There are probably dc motor options for lathes too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,637 ✭✭✭brightspark


    Is there a brake built into that motor? ( I can't imagine the motor being allowed to just spin to a stop, but perhaps that is the case)

    The brake (if fitted) will need a separate supply as an inverter may not supply it correctly.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Is a 3 phase arrangement a better option for speed control ??


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    kadman wrote: »
    Is a 3 phase arrangement a better option for speed control ??

    Yes much better for everything.


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  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    This won’t be cheap but you could buy a variable speed drive that will provide a 3 phase output and connect this to a 3 phase motor. This will provide you with descent speed control.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    2011 wrote: »
    This won’t be cheap but you could buy a variable speed drive that will provide a 3 phase output and connect this to a 3 phase motor. This will provide you with descent speed control.

    I dont want cheap, I want the best solution.How much and where do i shop, and what am i shopping for . Thanks


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    kadman wrote: »
    I dont want cheap, I want the best solution.How much and where do i shop, and what am i shopping for . Thanks

    Start by finding a 2.2 kW / 230V / 3 phase motor.
    So a motor designed to be connected with a line voltage of 400V in star would be suitable for a line voltage of 230V when delta connected.

    Then consider a good variable speed drive to suit such as ABB, see link.

    Obviously the VSD will need to be programmed, wired and mounted. Generally a "pot" can be wired to the VSD, by turning this the motor speed can be adjusted. these units can be programmed to operate in constant torque mode at a variety of speeds.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    I should add:
    - It is important to consider how to mount the new motor.
    - 3 hp = 2.2 kW (approx)
    - It would be best to consider a start, stop and emergency stop buttons
    - This type of work is generally more suited to electricians with industrial experience.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Is there a limit to hp size that I can use, given that my supply voltage
    is only standard domestic supply.

    And are there specific 3 phase motor types that can be used only,
    or can I use any type 3 phase motor.

    Is there any kit type arrangement, that allows me to take out my single phase motor,
    and swap in the alternative 3 phase solution+electrics.

    thanks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 566 ✭✭✭adrian92


    kadman wrote: »
    Is there a limit to hp size that I can use, given that my supply voltage
    is only standard domestic supply.

    And are there specific 3 phase motor types that can be used only,
    or can I use any type 3 phase motor.

    Is there any kit type arrangement, that allows me to take out my single phase motor,
    and swap in the alternative 3 phase solution+electrics.

    thanks.

    Just on your domestic supply, you have only a few kilowatts, maximum for your motor, so no worries.

    (Many domestic supplies have 8 kilowatt showers, for comparison)


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    kadman wrote: »
    Is there a limit to hp size that I can use

    Yes but a 2.2 kW motor on a VSD will be ok.
    And are there specific 3 phase motor types

    Any "standard" 3 phase induction motor will be ok
    Is there any kit type arrangement, that allows me to take out my single phase motor,
    and swap in the alternative 3 phase solution+electrics.

    I think that mounting a replacement motor may be a challenge. You will need to consider this including the dimensions of the motor shaft.

    Also motors can overheat when running at lower speeds (as the cooling fan is mounted on the motor shaft). This is normally dealt with by de-rating the motor i.e. select a 3 kW motor but only use it up to 2.2 kW.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    The 3 phase motor should have 230v windings to use on 230v single to 3 phase VSD.

    If a 400v one is used, it will only have 1/3 of the power.

    2.2kw 3 phase will have a lot more torque throughout its rotation than the single phase one. Cooling shouldn't be too much of a problem when used on a lathe. It will have to be running at a reasonable enough speed and won't be a fixed full mechanical load on it.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    Bruthal wrote: »
    The 3 phase motor should have 230v windings to use on 230v single to 3 phase VSD.

    400V star windings / 230V delta. Check the name plate.
    If a 400v one is used, it will only have 1/3 of the power.

    Yes, that is an important point.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    2011 wrote: »
    400V star windings / 230V delta. Check the name plate.
    .

    400v star means the windings have 230v across them.
    So if the motor had 230v rated winings, it can be connected 400v star or 230v delta for the full power output.
    If it is 400v windings, 400v star gives 1/3 power. 400v delta gives full power.

    For the op it might be confusing so any potential motors, post details up and we can check them.


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  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    Correct.

    See link
    This gives a clear example of what I am talking about.

    However if the motor is designed to be connected in delta to a 3 phase supply with a 400V line voltage then if a 230V line voltage is used instead then the power will be reduced by a factor of 3.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    It's around in circles saying the same thing.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    I have been offered a 5.5hp motor, a 7hp motor and a 3/4 hp motor, all 3 phase.

    Which is the best option.

    No doubt you have already guessed, I know sweet FA about electrically:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,637 ✭✭✭brightspark


    kadman wrote: »
    I have been offered a 5.5hp motor, a 7hp motor and a 3/4 hp motor, all 3 phase.

    Which is the best option.

    No doubt you have already guessed, I know sweet FA about electrically:D

    I very much doubt if any of them can physically fit your machine without some new mountings/couplings.

    You need to get pics of the data plates to know what voltage ranges they have.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    +1


    I think you need to get a competent electrician electrician on board really. It would be almost impossible to progress this much further on a forum like this.

    I think that the biggest issue will be finding a suitable motor and working out how to mount it and how to connect the motor shaft in a robust manner.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Fitting the motor is going to be the easiest issue.

    Machine in question is the largest Centauro woodturning lathe.
    Full cast iron construction.

    Lathe head costruction is a hollow cast iron construction, with ample room access.

    I can fit the motor , either inside the tower, or outside. Its simple for me.

    I have the necessary mechanical skilset, as well as all the necessary tooling,

    to either fit the motor inside, or fabricate an arrangement to fit it outside

    the tower, and accomodate the beltdrive through access to the drive shaft.

    The headstock of the drive shaft is a horizontal shaft , with bearing mounts each end.

    That will be my area of expertise. Simples to me.

    BUt I am not very leccy savvy, thats you guys department:D

    Thats why I have come to the experts. You

    I am not stupid enough to gather bits of info , and try wiring it my self,
    and I have already written off my single phase existing setup as unsuitable .

    I would rather you guys spec the ideal motor and matching switch, that I can have onsite for the sparks when he arrives.

    I will post up the details of the 3 phase motors available to me as soon as I can.


    Trust me, I wont be wiring ****, I got electrocuted when I was 10 years old. And its not nice:eek:
    Thanks for all your help,
    kadman


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    My lathe is this model, but with the additional outboard turning section,
    for turning up to 44" diameter. Which adds another 3' to the length.

    503767.jpg


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Looks like i can't progress on this, as i have just got the motors, with no detail plates
    attached ,

    Big Motor
    503771.JPG

    503772.JPG

    Small motor.

    503773.JPG

    503774.JPG

    So I am at a standstill until I know what motor to buy, and what switch.
    All advice welcome, thanks.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    These motors are from a Lazzari panel saw that was converted to single phase.
    Manufacturers spec puts them at 5.5hp and smaller motor at .75hp.


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  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Maybe the best solution is for someone to spec exactly the motor I need to work with this,

    https://www.jfkelectricalni.com/product/2-2kw-3hp-ip20-single-phase-240v-ac-motor-inverter-variable-speed-drive/

    Thanks,
    kadman


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    ...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    kadman wrote: »
    Maybe the best solution is for someone to spec exactly the motor I need to work with this,

    https://www.jfkelectricalni.com/product/2-2kw-3hp-ip20-single-phase-240v-ac-motor-inverter-variable-speed-drive/

    Thanks,
    kadman

    Something like this should work, in electrical terms anyway.

    The rest is mechanical fitting, but you know all that.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    ^^^ Yes, looks ideal.
    It specifically states that it is “inverter rated” i.e. suitable for use with a VSD.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    So, can some one spec a motor for me please,

    thanks,
    Tim

    oops, got Bruthals link, thanks


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Now that you guys have sorted me out with the hardware,

    is there anything else I need apart from a competent sparks:D:D


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    kadman wrote: »
    Now that you guys have sorted me out with the hardware,

    is there anything else I need apart from a competent sparks:D:D

    The main things are the VSD and motor. After that, electrician involved can advise.

    An Emergency stop would be one thing. Start, Stop, and speed adjust pot are possibilities, but all depends on the VSD itself, what is needed.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    +1

    A good industrial electrician would be best.
    Note: A registered electrical contractor is not required for this.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,499 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    I was looking into getting my Nova 3000 converted to variable speed a while back and came across these guys ...

    http://www.haydockconverters.co.uk/variablespeeddrives.htm

    https://www.newton-tesla.co.uk/product-category/lathe-speed-controls/inverter-motor-packages/

    Otherwise loads of information available on Google if you Google "VFD lathe conversions"


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    @ Kadman: How is this project progressing??


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